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Lobbying
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| U.S. Congress |
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| State executive officials |
| State legislatures |
| Elections |
Lobbying is broadly defined as the attempt to persuade another person to accept one's position. This includes efforts from legislators, constituents, or organized groups to influence lawmakers.
For the federal government, lobbying involves attempts to influence Congress, the president, or federal agencies. For state governments, lobbying involves attempts to influence state legislators, state executives, or state agencies. For local governments, lobbying is aimed at local officials.
Direct v. grassroots lobbying
Direct lobbying involves attempts to influence the policy-making process by lobbying policymakers directly. By contrast, grassroots lobbying aims to influence policymakers indirectly by shaping public opinion.[1]
Lobbyist registration requirements
As of September 2025, in every state, individuals and entities involved in direct lobbying must register before engaging in lobbying activities. Registration requirements vary by state. Most states also require lobbyists to file regular disclosure reports, although the contents and frequency of such reports vary from state to state. For more information on lobbyist registration requirements, see this article. For more information on lobbyist reporting requirements, see this article.[2][3]
External links
Footnotes
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